Meliora International Film Festival is an event on a mission to make the world a better place. Meliora is a Latin adjective meaning: to heal, to make better; or to be in the pursuit of better things.

We want to acknowledge any and all work that aims to make the world a better place. Does your movie make people smile or laugh? Does you movie bring people hope or inspiration? Does your movie bring knowledge or awareness about Climate Change, Poverty, Human Rights, Mental Health, LGBTQ+ stories, or anything else you want to start a conversation about- we want to see it!

Meliora works in partnership with various charities and organizations to promote them along side our festival categories. We also have a jam packed schedule! Complete with a Welcome Party, Film Screenings, Panels and Q&As, as well as an Awards Ceremony. Best of all, it's in New York City!

We want Meliora to be accessible to as many filmmakers as possible, that's why for the FIRST YEAR ONLY we're allowing films from any time or any distribution status.

Meliora will also match the grand prize, and donate it to the partnering charity or organization of the winner's choosing.

Awards & Prizes

Filmmaker Prizes:
Grand Prize - $1,000 for the winner + $1,000 donated to the partnering charity or organization of your choice.
Second Place - Dinner in New York City with a renowned industry guest.
Third Place - 1 year movie pass membership for Fandango

All of the following categories will be awarded an Official MIFF Trophy
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Foreign Film
Best Cinematography
Best Script
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Score
Best Song
Best Editing
Best Comedy
Best Original Screenplay

Rules & Terms

By submitting your film to the Meliora International Film Festival, you agree to grant the festival the right to screen your film during the festival dates, as well as in any promotional material related to the event. You confirm that you have obtained all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for the content of your film and its screening. The festival reserves the right to use excerpts from your film for promotional purposes, and you agree to cross promote on social media should you be accepted. You also acknowledge and agree that no hate speech, bullying, or unwanted behavior of any kind will be tolerated during the festival or related events. The festival organizers reserve the right to remove any individual or film that violates this policy, without refund or compensation. Additionally, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival organizers from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your film or its screening.

All submissions must be films. Upon being accepted, all filmmakers must send in their script.

Meliora International Film Festival upholds the right to revoke any acceptance for any reasons they may see fit.

5 Reviews
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Quality
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Networking
  • Bob Celli

    Big thank you to Jenilyn, Raquel, and Cara for including Figs For Italo for your inaugural year. Thank you for giving independent filmmakers another great festival to share their work. Your communication was stellar and I know your festival will be around for years to come. Congratulations, you rocked your first year!!

    November 2024
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  • Katie Trubetsky

    This festival was absolutely wonderful! I’m very grateful to have won for my film “Her rain” for best script, and the trophy was beautiful! But also the amount of exciting, valuable, and just overall kindness and beauty this festival presented, I will definitely be submitting next time for my next project!

    November 2024
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  • Elroy Martinez Jr.

    A great first year for the festival! They really went out their way to deliver and succeeded. I recommend this festival highly!

    November 2024
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  • Lisa Stock

    What a beautiful festival with a powerful mission. You can tell the talented team behind Meliora cared deeply about every film they chose, and the filmmakers behind them. Truly honored to be able to share our story of healing with their audience. Great venue and projection of films. Thank you for including us - hope we'll be able to return to the Meliora International Film Festival again!

    November 2024
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  • Isaac Woofter

    This festival has an important mission and is run by some powerful ladies. The BOUND team is thrilled to be part of their inaugural festival! Thank you Jenilyn, Raquel, and Cara for the invite, we’re honored!!!

    November 2024
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